Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1887-10-28
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER



Heretofore, your correspondent has
written of the manifesto of Civil Ser.
vice Commissioner Oberly against the
organization of the Federal employees
into political associations, and also OF
the temporary commOtion caused by
the communication, which was swift
ly succeeded by sentiment of stern
defiance. This feeling has found fur
ther expression in the formation of q
new political club, called "The Ma
tional Democratic Association" with
an influential membership from every
State or Territory of the Union, which
it is proposed to extend to each Con-
gressiOnal District of the United
States. The Association is represen-
tative in character, and proposes to
make its influence and usefulness felt
by the dissemination of sound DEM
ocratic doctrine and information
among the masses of the party every
where.
So then, it seems the ukase of the
Commissioner was blessing in dis
guise, whatever may have been its
true purpose. for it goes without say
ing that the National Democratic AS
sociation will be a po werful factor for
good in the next Presidential con-
test
There are three vacancies in the
Fiftieth Congress, one of them being
OF national importance, as it involves
the political attitude of tho State of
Rhode Island in the event of the fail
ure of the people to choose Presi-
dent in 1888. At the first election
held nearly year ago, there was no
electiOn-neither candidate having a
majority of all the votes cast-though
Judge Bradley, the Democratic nom-
inee, was in the lead. A second cleo
ton will be held next month, and
there is every indication of Demo-
cratic victory, as they have renomi-
mated Bradley, and plurality will
elect next time. Republican defeat
would mean their inability to win the
Presidency in case the choice should
devolve upon the House of Represen-
tatives-the Republicans only lack
ing one of having a majority of the
States.
Among the measures that will be
presented for the consideration of the
next Congress are seven new pension
bills, prepared by representatives of
the Grand Army of the Republic, and
embodying relief for all veterans who
actually saw service, or for their legal
representatives. fear that President
Cleveland will again be the country's
only safeguard against a depleted
Treasury. But if occasion should re-
quire, it is evident that his courage
and sense of duty will be equal to the
emergency.
Messrs. Angel and Putnam, of the
Fisheries Commission, were in the
city this week in conference with Sec
retary Bayard in regard to the re-
sponsible trust committed in their
charge. After an informal discussion,
the Commission adjourned to convene
in the Capital next month, when it is
expected they will meet the Canadian
Commission.
A statement has been prepared at
the Postofice Department, showing
the postal business transacted at 80 of
the leading postoffices of the country
for the quarter ended on Sept. 3Oth,
last, and although that period is US
ually the dullest of the year, the re-
ceipts of the Offices in question show
an increase of six and half per cent.
over the same quarter of last year.
This is q sure and substantial tribute
to the industrial growth and progress
of the people of the United States.
The several bureaus Of the Interior
Department are now submitting their
annual reports to Secretary Lamar,
embracing the work of the past fiscal
year and estimates of the necessary
appropriations for the coming fiscal
year. The report Of the Commissioner
of Patents shows that the defalcation
of Bacon, the late financial clerk, is
$50, ,OOOCone of our relics Of the Re-
publican regime. Bacon's bond was
only $4,000, and the question is
whether his sureties are responsible
for more than that sum.
Great interest is felt at the Capital
over the Habeas Corpus trial of the
Virginia state officers, lately incarcer-
ated for contempt of court by United
States Judge Bond-the writs being
made returnable before the United
States Supreme Court on Monday
next.
The Columbia Democratic Club, a
political organization Of this city, has
taken preliminary action toward hav-